Years had passed, and the children of the Ravenne family had grown to near adolescents. Evelyn was privately tutored in the noble pursuits like horse-back riding with her sugar white steed, Snowdrop. She was also tutored in the Arts such as music or different styles of dancing like ballet and the waltz, literature, and more physical activities such as martial arts and fencing for self defense. Edgar, at the age of 13, ironically studied at Weston College, but only after it was found out that Skeet had been found dead in the gutter from opium and alcohol overdose. One of Emily's close friend's husband, Charles Wells, took over as Principal. Unlike Skeet, he was well liked among both students and staff.
However, when Edgar was in his second year, he started visiting home less often, and there became a noticeable decrease in the letters home. Then, after about a month, both visits and letters stopped altogether. As Weston refused government intervention, the Ravenne family tried in vain to contact them personally, with little to no results for months on end. Until one day-
A boat on it's way to America carrying smuggled aristocratic children for slavery had hit an ice-berg, and sank. One of the stolen children, a boy with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a ring bearing the crest of the Ravenne family, was declared dead. There were over 250 casualties and over 30 declared deaths...
It was 2nd June, 1881. The year Edgar Ravenne was declared dead. His body and face was so mutilated so grotesquely that his own mother, father and sister did not recognize him.
The next few months were the most heartbreaking. The family were given many condolences, and gifts to somehow help them get past this tragedy. It helped little, but it was now up to the family to choose to recover themselves. It was two years after Edgar's death, when the now only child, Evelyn Ravenne, had come to a decision.
One that she should have made a long time ago.
Evelyn walked into the family room, watching her now recovering mother embroider with nimble fingers, and her father reading the local newspaper, "Mother, Father" Her beloved parents looked up from their activities, "I wish to speak with the headmaster of Weston College."
"What?" her parents chorused, their faces showing a mixture of shock and confusion. Jacob the footman was with them, pouring the tea, and nearly spilled the brown liquid.
"I said that I wished to speak to Charles Well on an important matter."
Emily was the first to recover, calmly asking "But why? Whatever it is, Evie, I'm sure you can discuss it with us."
Evelyn sighed, "That is the problem. If I discuss it with you, then like a coward I'll change my mind. I have already made a decision, and I won't change it." with that, Evelyn left to make the appointment. Not a moment after, her parents realized why their only daughter would wish to speak with Wells. Jacob ran on, after excusing himself. Leon made for the door, only to have his wrist held onto by Emily, her face downcast.
Emily looked up to her husband, "Leon, maybe we should let this be. Maybe with Skeet gone and Wells in charge... well, I've known Charles long enough to know that he will be a great Principal. Maybe it was f-fate," her voice was starting to crack, "that allowed such a k-kind man to take care of our daughter." This pained her as much as it did Leon.
Fate. Leon had grew to despise that word.
Embracing his wife for her comfort, and for possibly his, Leon had only this to say, "Our only hope..." He looked distantly out the window as Emily sobbed quietly, "Is that whatever gifts our little Evie possesses, they do not end up being used against her..." Emily's only response was her shoulders shuddering.
Jacob caught up with Evelyn soon, instinctively grabbing her hand, "What are you thinking, that this gonna make things better for everyone?!" he loudly questioned. Evelyn stared at him with wide green eyes in shock, wondering why her friend was acting like this. Jacob held on to her smooth, smaller hand until he realized what he was doing, and dropped his hands to his side "I-I-I mean, uh, Miss Evelyn, what are you planning?"
Evelyn cradled her hand, though not in disgust or pain, clasping it to her heart, "I..." she trailed off, then straightened herself, "I was planning to make an appointment with Wells, the headmaster for Weston College."
"Whatever for, Miss?" But Jacob already knew the answer. He knew it since his friend and her brother died.
Jacob was slightly convinced that she had the ability to read his mind as she stared at him so intently with those eyes. Those green eyes... And as if she could, Evelyn quietly whispered with a bitter laugh, "Because I have a duty as a Ravenne." and with that, she made for where the telephone was kept, leaving Jacob behind.
Jacob stood there for a moment, watching her leave. He wanted to stop her, he really did. But with Evie, once she makes up her mind there's no going back he thought to himself. He then went down to the kitchens, wanting to cook the afternoon snacks and help Frederick and Maria with dinner. If there was any other chores, then he would be glad to take them on. Maybe one of these things will distract him from the inevitable.
"Hello, Countess Evelyn. In your telephone call requested me that you wished to speak with me personally?" Charles Well inquired. Unlike Skeet, Wells was taller, thinner, and looked more like a caring grandfather to others than a headmaster.
"You are correct, Mister Wells."
"Please, call me Charles." Wells corrected, taking a sip of his tea.
Evelyn gave a fake chuckle, "I believe that I should not, not if I am going to Weston, sir."
Wells, in surprise, nearly coughed out the tea, "P-pardon?"
"I wish to take on the role that was given to me by Skeet. I shall be the Bride of the P4."
"But I was informed that you and your family were against this from the start! Why ever would you do this if it is not something you really want?"
"That's why I am here to explain. Now, let's discuss this whole matter with a little bit more tea, shall we?"
Evelyn was in her bed chambers, packing enough of her belongings in two briefcases to last her a year at school. Wolfie had sadly passed when Evelyn was 10, but not so without leaving pups of his own. Wolfie jr, the alpha pup, had stayed by Evelyn's side since he was born, much like his father was for Emily and Evelyn. However, though he was not the original Wolfie, to save time, she just called the wolfhound Wolfie. As for the rest of the pups, they were trained as guard dogs. As she packed, Wolfie was lying on the floor by Evelyn's feet.
A knock on her door temporarily stopped her robotic movements, "Come in." in a monotone voice.
Charlotte, her maid and closest friend entered with the afternoon tea, "Milady, I brought you some Darjeeling tea, and Jacob made you some chocolate cake-what do you think you are doing?!"
"I'm packing for Weston. I'll be leaving soon." came an emotionless answer
Lottie rushed to the bedside table to set down the tea tray, "I am aware that you are packing, but whatever for?!" she took the clothing sitting in Evelyn's arms out of her hands, and cradled them to herself, as if protecting a child.
"I am to be ready to leave for the train heading for near the Thames. This is just so I can leave without any worries of forgetting anything."
Lottie realized the only reason why her charge would go near the Thames with baggage, "Miss Evelyn! Are you...?"
"Yes. I am going to enroll in Weston College." Evelyn saw her friend's horrified face, and gave a forced smile, "Don't worry, Lottie, I discussed this with the Principal, and he said that I could visit home during the weekends, and Wolfie will be allowed to keep me company."
"Miss Evelyn, though I am just your maid, I must object to this decision! Surely-" Lottie argued-
Evelyn stopped moving, and gave her a hard and cold stare that would leave most feeling pierce by a sword, "Charlotte, I must become what I am. What I was born to be." Evelyn took the clothes from her companion and turned to Lottie, "If there was ever such a thing as 'Fate' or 'Destiny' then no matter how hard my family and I fought, 'Fate' or 'Destiny' favored it's original course. I had to learn that cruel lesson the hard way when Eddy died."
Lottie flinched at the mention of Edgar, the memory of his death was still fresh, "M-milady, you do not have to choose this. There must be another way-" Lottie tried to plead.
"I'm apologize for my behavior, but for now, I wish to be alone with my thoughts. Tell Jacob I appreciate the cake, and I shall eat it after I'm done packing."
"At least let me help you pack-" Lottie quietly suggested.
"Please, Lottie. Just this once, let me do this myself." Evelyn's voice was breaking
When Lottie left, she let herself sink onto the bed. Wolfie climbed onto the bed, and rested his head on her stomach. Absent minded, she started to pet his furry head. It wasn't until after her picked up her favorite necklace and the water drops that fell onto the glass protecting the photo within, that Evelyn realized that she was crying. She roughly wiped her tears away, remembering the wise words of her father, It's okay to cry if it is for joyous occasions. But if it is a saddening time, you must not give your enemies the satisfaction of seeing your tears. She giggled when to comfort her, Wolfie licked her face with his rough tongue. It was the first time that she had laughed in quite some time. She speculated that it may be a long time before she would laugh again.
Evelyn stared at the Ravenne family portrait within her locket. If only she knew that would be based on the only photograph she had of Edgar. Still, how is a child to know when one is to only have a certain amount of memories of a loved one to hold onto.
Oh Lottie, if only you knew. Unknowingly, I already became what I was chosen to be. The 'Bride of the P4' of Weston College.
It was two days before the new term was to start. Evelyn was at the train station in the early stages of the morning, waiting with her family and servants. A loud horn blowing signaled that it was time to say goodbye. Lottie was the only one not there with them.
Evelyn was hugged from all directions, and the last one to leave was Emily, who embraced her daughter the tightest, "I love you, Evie. It's not too late to change your mind. You'll never be a coward if you decide if this isn't what you want." Emily pleaded for one last minute attempt to not lose her daughter.
Evelyn hugged back just as tightly, "I love you too, Mother, but I have made my decision. I'll be home every weekend and during the holidays, and I shall reply to your letters. Be sure to tell me everything when you write to me." Evelyn glanced to the servants, "That includes all of you, I want to know what happens while I'm gone." She gave her brightest smile for everyone to see, especially for Jacob. She will miss him, Evelyn was sure of it.
Another horn blowing. The train would leave soon.
Saying a tearful goodbye, but never shedding a tear, Evelyn and Wolfie stepped onto the train, and picked one of the closest rooms. She looked out the window, and saw something she didn't believe at first.
Lottie running towards the train, carrying a trunk in one hand, and holding her ticket in the other. Jacob noticing his twin's attempt to catch the train. The train slowly purred to life, Lottie dashing past her family. Lottie picking up speed, just as the train did. Almost out of Lottie's reach.
Jacob helping Lottie make a last-minute jump to hold onto the handrails by throwing her. And Evelyn catching her with open arms.
She heard everyone cheering, and saw Jacob was at the end of the platform. He waving frantically, with a wide smile on his face. Evelyn, whilst hearing Lottie apologize and suggesting she go to the second class cart, brought herself and her friend into her cart.
"What changed your mind?" She asked with a chuckle. Evelyn was surprised that she would laugh so soon after thinking it would be a long time before it happened again.
"I never changed my mind" Lottie firmly answered. Evelyn cocked her head to the side in confusion,
"I promised you that I would be your maid for as long as I live, and that isn't going to change." For the rest of the journey, the girls talked as though classes didn't exist. As though it was a day trip to the town for the first time by themselves.
As though Evelyn wasn't aware that she was heading for her future.
